Bellingham continued its homestand Thursday with an exhibition contest against the Everett Merchants at Joe Martin Field. The Bells and Merchants were knotted at three after three innings, but the visiting Merchants added four in the fourth and never looked back on their way to a 9-4 victory.

Tanner Leighton led the Bells at the plate with three hits, a run scored and a run batted in. Seven other Bells chipped in with single hits including extra-base knocks by Craig Hertler, Sam Richter and Brady Locker who hit from the seven, eight and nine spots in the lineup, respectively.

On the mound, Brandon Foster was tagged with the loss after coming in to relieve starter Ray Hanson. Hanson threw just 1 1/3 innings before Foster took over the pitching duties. Bellingham tied the game in the home half of the third inning before Foster gave up Everett’s four-run fourth inning to take the loss.

Seth Harvey saw his first action of the season albeit in exhibition action. Harvey pitched a scoreless ninth inning for the Bells and walked a batter while striking out two others.

Everett’s Beau Blacken single-handedly matched the Bells’ run output by driving in four runs with his 3-of-5 night at the plate. Four other Merchants also added had multiple hits on the evening.

The Bells return to West Coast League action Friday (June 12) against the Corvallis Knights as they open a three-game series to wrap up the seven-game homestand. Friday is Haggen $1 Family Feast Night promoted by Praise 106.5 with special reduced prices on certain items throughout the ballpark.

Tickets for Friday’s contest, as well as for Saturday and Sunday’s games, are still available and can be purchased by contacting the Bellingham Bells Ticket Office.

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